How Should Fabric and Color Minimums Be Checked During Activewear Sample Development?

How Should Fabric and Color Minimums Be Checked During Activewear Sample Development?

MATERIAL PLANNING

Confirm fabric and color minimums before the sample material is finalized.

Minimums should be checked early when a project requires custom dyeing, special finishes, exclusive colors, or non-stock fabrics. A workable sample material is not always commercially practical for the intended bulk quantity.

Availability and quantity

  • Fabric MOQ or minimum mill quantity
  • Minimum quantity per custom color
  • Whether the fabric is available from stock
  • Sample-yardage availability
  • Suitable substitute-fabric options for development

Color and finishing requirements

  • Custom dyeing or lab-dip requirements
  • Minimums for brushing, printing, coating, or other finishes
  • Fabric surcharges below the normal mill minimum
  • Lead time for custom-material production
  • Effect on target cost and bulk schedule

Separate sample availability from bulk feasibility

A development sample may use available stock fabric, while the approved bulk color requires a separate dye lot with its own minimum quantity. Small sample quantities do not automatically mean the same material can later be produced economically at a small bulk quantity.

At Call The STYLE, fabric and color minimums can be reviewed during sample development so the selected material is compatible with the planned order quantity, target cost, and production timeline.

Any stock option, surcharge, substitute, or custom-material requirement should be documented before final material approval.

Discuss your fabric and color plan